Let’s be honest: Ever since Henry Cavill sheathed his silver sword and walked away from Netflix’s The Witcher, fantasy fans have been emotionally homeless. We watched in horror as Geralt went from stoic monster-slayer with literary roots to a broody, plot-confused wanderer in a world barely resembling Sapkowski’s vision. Somewhere between Yennefer’s random power moves and a lore detour so wild that even Roach would’ve thrown a horseshoe, we lost faith.

Henry Cavill in The Witcher and Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us (Credits- Netflix, HBO)

But wait, like Ellie creeping through clicker-infested ruins, hope has survived. And today, as The Last of Us Season 2 officially drops, it feels like our wounded fandom hearts might finally get their bandage. Why? Because HBO’s adaptation isn’t just “good for a game show.” It’s surgically accurate, emotionally raw, and unapologetically faithful to its source. It’s the opposite of what The Witcher became.

While one show drifted from its origins and lost its leading man, the other doubled down on what made its game iconic, and fans are noticing. Could The Last of Us be the show that restores trust in adaptations? If early fan reactions are anything to go by, we might finally be ready to love again.

What went wrong with The Witcher?

Henry Cavill and Anya Chalotra in The Witcher (Credits- Netflix)

The Witcher Netflix series had one job: To adapt beloved books about a grumpy monster hunter with great hair. Instead, it tossed the plot into a portal and said, “We got this.” Spoiler: They did not.
The first season was a hot mess, cutting out Sword of Destiny, the literal emotional backbone of the entire saga. Characters were playing musical chairs with their personalities, and fans were left wondering, “Wait, who is this, and why do they look like Geralt?” Season 2? It was like they tried to adapt Blood of Elves but then forgot about it and just made up random stuff. Oh, and the timeline? Let’s just say it took a few liberties with chronology.

Oof. Meanwhile, the Witcher games by CD Projekt Red were a fan’s dream, true to the books but with a fresh spin. Netflix, on the other hand, decided it wanted to do its own thing, creating a “Witcher” world that felt more like a fever dream than a faithful adaptation.

Freya Allan in The Witcher (Credits- Netflix)

In the end, the show turned a White Wolf into a soggy noodle, tossing out deep Slavic storytelling for a generic fantasy drama. And that’s why people are still yelling at their screens, wishing for the good ol’ days of Geralt’s grumpy magic.

How The Last of Us gets it right?

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us (Credits- HBO)

With season 2 airing on our screens in just a few hours, it’s time to dive into why HBO’s The Last of Us absolutely nailed it. Fans of the game have been praying for a faithful adaptation, and folks, the TV series delivers. It doesn’t stray far from the script of the 2013 PlayStation classic, and that’s its superpower.

The series stays true to the game’s heart, from iconic scenes to familiar lines. Honestly, if you’ve played the game a dozen times (guilty), you’ll find yourself mouthing along with the characters. One Reddit user even pointed out how the show nailed the tiny details, like the storefront signs players might miss in-game. It’s wild how the show recreated those moments we’d barely notice. “Nuts,” indeed!

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s chemistry brings Joel and Ellie to life with a tenderness the game couldn’t fully explore. Instead of just apocalyptic chaos, the show focuses on their quiet, emotional moments, and it’s beautiful. The show even adds layers to side characters, like Sam and Henry, giving them depth that only makes their fate more gut-wrenching.

HBO’s The Last of Us gets so much right that it can’t be ignored. It respects the game, adds fresh nuances, and makes us fall in love with the characters all over again. Bring on Season 2!

How can The Last of Us Season 2 heal fans’ wounds from The Witcher’s disappointment?

Henry Cavill and Anya Chalotra in The Witcher, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in The Last of Us (Credits- Netflix, HBO)

As The Last of Us season 2 prepares to grace our screens, fans can’t help but feel a sense of hope, especially after the disappointment that was The Witcher. Unlike The Witcher, which took creative liberties with its source material and ended up leaving fans scratching their heads, The Last of Us has made a point of sticking to the original game’s spirit.

The show has faithfully captured the emotional depth and gut-wrenching moments of the game, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey perfectly embodying Joel and Ellie. Fans love that the show doesn’t just nod to the video game but dives in headfirst into its world, staying true to key storylines and moments.

It’s the kind of adaptation that makes you feel like you’re re-experiencing the game, with just enough extra to enrich the narrative. There’s no major deviation from the essence of the original, reassuring fans that this is the adaptation they deserve. Season 2? Expect more of the same faithful, heart-wrenching action that’s sure to keep us hooked.